SteelWorx Custom Supports

[JCat]

READ ME FIRST

First, let me just say, this was a nasty set to work with, due to non-standard placement (unlike walls and roofs). I did as many supports as I could before burn out, and not every single coaster was tested with each support, so you may have to tinker with the various styles to see what worx! I tried to align supports the best I could, but there are many variables involved with the different coaster types, so don't expect to cover every inch of track with a perfect fit.

Don't forget! Many SteelWorx parts work well with the existing RCT3 scenery, which further expands the architectural possibilities!



You can download either the Automatic Installer, or the Zip file at:
www.trackworx.com

[T-rct]

ey nice m8!!
Cant wait
Show the screens

[ytivarg]

mmm... supports.... *drool*

I want some serious, big fat B&M supports!

[sfmmFREAK]

That idea sounds awfully familliar, lol.
http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums...hreadid=476435
i don't mind. can't wait to see.

[JCat]

Thanks - never saw this thread - but it's a good one! I actually thought of this after seeing 2005's early support pics. He had some fine sample pre-built supports for a suspended coaster.

These are individual pieces (straight, diagonal, angled and so on), some in various sizes so you can kind of stack and design to your heart's content. Don't expect super details, as I want to keep the frame rate happy - these are simple beams square/round styles which we'll make for some interesting designs. Also, they can be used for other things of course - I made a 'beamish' coaster station sample in minutes (thanks to the upgraded scenery saver which is now great for repetitive tasks).

[Your_Name_Here]

Thank god, someone is finally going to make some supports! I'm sure it'll be a great addition to the game!

[T-rct]

And and and
Screens?
Do you got screens?

[Witward]

CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT YA GOT been wanting custom supports for long long time

[JCat]

06/25 First Screens now up (first message).

[Your_Name_Here]

Sweet! But I do hope that the supports are more at an angle like / instead of straight up. Especially for the turns/helixes. It'd be more realistic that way.

[JCat]

Tnx - Working on it - that's where some of the alignment problems (mentioned) are right now. I already have a thick angled support sample (not in pic) as a test model, but was only able to properly align it on certain curves on a test coaster. Various sized curves and different heights seem to pose a problem with trying to align the same piece, and stacking diagonal poles is quite a nightmare - though at least I'm getting closer to getting the diag-stacking figured out.

[Tidus243]

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[marnetmar]

Looks great so far Pumper Good Luck with the diagonal stacking, that sounds like a bit of a nightmare.

[TheSkipper]

Kewl Beanz!

[CK the Fat]

Just adds to the realism. There are many times when I wish I could add some supports back in when it says to take them out.

[Your_Name_Here]

Wow, those helix supports are perfect! Amazing!

[-[A.S] Fanie-]

Lol im sure GiveTM_a_chance would like those Nintendo scenery objects

[Vodhin]

Pumper- Could you try to make lifthill elements: Vertical supports with catwalk, chain return, and emergency exit ladder (+cage?) or stairs (could just be ramp sections with texturemap steps). I know there's another modder out there making some- haven't re-located that thread... Mayby you guys can get together and make one complete set? Just an idea...

[Witward]

Thats a good idea Vodhin. I would really like to see a straite up supports theme, catwalks and everything,cool.

[GiveTM_a_chance]

Lol im sure GiveTM_a_chance would like those Nintendo scenery objects

Yes I really love them. I will use them for my park surely. Good work Pumper.
BTW Pumper Ive send you a PM, have you read it?

[NitrousOxide]

Dude, these are kick ass! Custom Supports have been the only thing holding me back from playing RCT3.

[WalkingSnake]

Can't wait. Very nice looking.

[LightWarriorK]

Very cool!

I think this is probably going to be the best we're going to get. The only thing better would be a node system that would require Frontier to code it in.

Until that happens, though, I'm more than happy to use these.

[JCat]

Thanks all -

This is proving to be a ton more complicated then I thought. No fear though, it's progressing little by little. The problem is: The supports are nothing like everything else in the game. I've been studying the layout on the built in Frontier supports; their bases vary on the grid square, making numerous combinations for the same damn thing.

For example: The bank supports (those upsidedown V shaped ones). If I make one set - they'll fit certain banks on coasters, yet, won't fit other banks. So, I have to make about 4 different types so we can get them all in there. By the way, those supports were made super long, so all you have to do is shift to raise them out of the ground to meet varied heights (that's why there's no base plates).

Another example: The smaller track rides, like the mouse, and family coaster - those use different heights incriments then the big steel coasters, so I had to make a new set of smaller steel tubes (2 different heights just for these type of coasters). The list goes on, but i know, in the end, this is going to be the largest set to date - (no choice) and will have an instruction manual. After I finish the bank set, I have to figure out how to make specialized supports for some of the elements like the corkscrew and loop, THEN on to the inverted steel coasters.

After the supports are complete, I'll see if I can make a diagonal stack-able steps for the lift hills.

[Your_Name_Here]

sounds super complicated.


I have a suggestion on the "no base for the supports" thing. Perhaps you should just make one base and we can add it to the supports? It only has to be like a rectangular box like the ones in the game.

[Beli]

Pumper...

All I can say is... Thank you! Between you, Caffeen, and the rest of the modders out there, we are getting the small things that Frontier has not been able to give us yet.

I'm glad someone is able to work on these things, as I am not graphicly gifted, and this type of coaster structure is needed to give a better amount of realism to the parks.

Thank you again, to all the modders, and keep up the good work!

[JCat]

YNH, yep, that was one of the plans - it will have to be a number of base plate positions. If you look at the base plates now in the game, you'll see that they are all on different parts of a standard grid square. Some are in corners, some in the dead center, and others on the sides.

[ytivarg]

Pumper, regarding the slight height differences with the tracks....

Couldn't you make the connection to the track a little fatter? Lemme see if I can explain what I'm thinking.... an upside-down shaped L support. The bottom of the L (now the top since it's upside down) would connect to the track. If that piece is slightly fatter, and without collision detection, wouldn't it just merge into the track? Rides with a slightly higher track level would just touch the support, lower tracks would merge into the support...

I'm just throwing out ideas here... feel free to shoot it down.

[JCat]

ytivarg - good suggestion -- I was thinking something similar but because I have no L shaped supports yet (definitely making those) I haven't been able to try that experiment. Thank you for that -- (me shoot down suggestions? no way, any help to make things easier is always welcomed!).

The difficult area more then the various heights is the placement - distance (how far the track is from the support). You have 3 types of curves, so something like an L or standard thick tube-shaped support may work on all curves at various heights correctly, but getting them to join (horizontally speaking) is the next big problem. Because the supports jump around on grids like walls or roofs do, they'll work perfectly on one curve, then you try adding the same support to a smaller or larger curve, and you either get a support completely cutting through the track which looks horrendous, or one with a huge gap almost a grid box way from the track.

In any case, I'll have some more sample shots tonight.... as it's starting to take shape.

[NitrousOxide]

If you need any testers I would be more than happy to check them out sintheticmusic@yahoo.com